Efficacy of Narrow-band Ultraviolet b (nbuvb) Combined with oral Acyclovir Versus oral Acyclovir alone in Preventing Postherpetic Neuralgia in Patients with Herpes zoster

Objective

To compare the effectiveness of oral Acyclovir with narrow-band UVB (nbUVB) in preventing postherpetic neuralgia in herpes zoster patients compared to oral Acyclovir alone Study Design: Randomized Controlled Trial (IRCT20221215056829N1) Place and Duration: of Study: was conducted in the Department of Dermatology, Pak-Emirates Military Hospital, Rawalpindi, Pakistan, from Nov 2020 to May 2021. Methodology: The cases were randomly assigned into two groups. The Ultraviolet Group received narrow-band ultraviolet B radiation 3 sessions per week along with standard antiviral and pain therapy. The Non-Ultraviolet Group just received the routine antiviral and pain therapy. The Verbal Rating Score was noted at the start before initiation of treatment, at the end of therapy, and at 3 months follow up. The mean Verbal Rating Score and percentage of satisfactory results were compared in the two groups.